Everyone has heard the lecture to slather on the sunscreen, but what negative effects does the sun REALLY have? Scientifically speaking, sun damage is the collective term for the harm caused to cells after unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation rays emitted by the sun. We investigated some common misconceptions about sun damage and how to correctly use sunscreen to protect yourself.
Top 9 Myths Deflated to Help You Prevent Sun Damaged Skin
Myth: Only certain kinds of UV rays are dangerous.
Truth: Two main types of UV radiation actually reach earth: UVA and UVB. “Safe” UV rays don’t exist, and both UVA and UVB damage skin in different ways:
The majority of the sun’s rays are UVA, which are weaker, but penetrate deep into the skin’s thickest layer. Exposure to UVA rays can lead to premature signs of aging.
UVB rays affects the outer layer of the skin and causes sunburn and also plays a key role in the development of skin cancer.
Myth: Sunburns are the only sun damage resulting from too much exposure to the sun.
Truth: While sunburns are probably the most common form of damage from the sun; wrinkles, dark patches (sometimes called “age spots”), loss of elasticity causing leathery and saggy skin and actual skin cancer are all scary long-term consequences of exposure to the sun.
Myth: You can’t get burned on a cloudy day.
Truth: Clouds don’t block the UV rays that cause you to burn. UV rays can also be reflected off of water, sand, snow and concrete, so sun damage can occur anytime, anywhere. Sunscreen is an effective and easy way to protect your skin from sun damage without compromising your fun in the sun.
Myths on Sunscreen and Skin Damage
Myth: The type of sunscreen doesn’t matter, as long as I wear tons of it.
Truth: Not all sunscreens are created equal. To get the protection you need, be sure to always use a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection for both UVA and UVB rays.
Myth: One dose of 45 is better than three doses of 15.
Truth: In reality the best SPF rating is 30. Most dermatologists recommend SPF 30 because it protects you against nearly 97% of the sun’s harmful rays. Higher SPF ratings don’t necessarily block more of the sun’s harmful rays and sunscreen needs to be applied at least every two hours, after getting wet, sweating or toweling off, regardless of it’s SPF level.
Myth: Broad-spectrum sunscreen is only necessary when I’m working out or in the water.
Truth: Don’t confuse broad-spectrum with waterproof. Broad-spectrum means you’re gaining protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Yes, this is critically important when you’re in an environment where these rays can bounce off the surface (water, concrete, sand), but it’s crucial to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen any time you go outside. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is 80% waterproof if you’re going to be in water or active and sweating.
Myth: I don’t need to use sunscreen if I have naturally dark skin or a “base tan.”
Truth: Everyone should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen all the time, especially when out in the sun. Although naturally dark or tan skin may rarely burn, that doesn’t mean it’s not being damaged!
Myth: Fifteen minutes of direct sun exposure every day is needed to obtain a healthy amount of Vitamin D.
Truth: Sunscreen does not prevent your body from making Vitamin D. While it’s true that sunscreens do help block out UV rays, no sunscreen blocks 100% of the Vitamin D-producing rays. You can obtain the necessary amount of vitamin D safely through a healthy diet. If you fear you aren’t gaining enough Vitamin D, ask your doctor about taking a vitamin supplement.
Myth: Tanning beds are the healthiest way to get a tan.
Truth: Though tans are incredibly popular in our society, they actually are a sign of skin damage. You can still enjoy the sun, but be sure to limit your amount of direct exposure to help protect your skin as much as possible. Like much in life, moderation is key! Ultraviolet light from tanning beds is intense and can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product or spray, but continue to use sunscreen. Avoid tanning beds.
